Suwannee Valley Players Incorporated

Suwannee Valley Players Incorporated is a nonprofit organization operating as a community theater in North Central Florida. It serves the counties of Levy, Gilchrist, and Dixie. The organization is based at the historic Chief Theatre, which is its home venue.

Mission

The mission of the Suwannee Valley Players is twofold:

• To Bring Quality Live Entertainment to the Tri-County Area: The organization commits to providing diverse live theatrical productions. These include plays and musicals that cover historical themes, classic literature, and popular cultural works.
• To Educate the Community in the Area of the Fine Arts of Theatre: Beyond entertainment, Suwannee Valley Players aims to educate and engage the community. They offer opportunities for members to learn and develop skills in various aspects of theater craft, fostering personal growth and community involvement[1][4].

Activities and Impact

For over 40 years, Suwannee Valley Players has been a cornerstone of cultural activities in the region. The organization offers a range of productions, such as 1776, Annie, Oklahoma, The Wizard of Oz, Twelve Angry Men, The Crucible, and Little Women. These performances not only entertain but also enrich the community by offering insights into history, literature, and cultural values[1][2].

Suwannee Valley Players relies on financial support from local individuals and businesses, as revenues from ticket sales alone do not cover operational expenses. The organization has successfully completed projects like the "Seats for the Chief" campaign, which enabled them to replace seating in the Chief Theatre. Such efforts demonstrate the community's commitment to preserving the performing arts in the region[3].

Governance and Community Involvement

The organization is managed by a board that includes members with varied backgrounds in theater and community engagement. Suwannee Valley Players encourages community participation, inviting all members of the community to join, learn, and contribute to its productions[1].

In recent years, the organization has continued to be supported by initiatives such as Big Lick Gives, which highlights the positive impact of the Suwannee Valley Players in maintaining the tradition of performing arts in the area[2].